Answered5 years ago

How can I extend my 45-day visa exemption in Thailand during the COVID situation?

Visa Extension Thailand Visa COVID-19 Visa Extension Visa Exemption Immigration Rules Bangkok Immigration Office

Mike *******

asked May 3, 2021

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Hi guys, I have arrived in Thailand as a tourist on a 45 day visa exemption in April 2021. It's valid until May 21st and I would like to extend it in Bangkok. I have never been extending any visa in Thailand before, therefore I have a few newbie questions. (Yes, I used the search tool but I have found some discrepancies.) Here we go:

Am I eligible for the 60 day covid extension? 

If I will not get the covid extension then how long can I extend the visa exemption for? Is it 2 extensions (30 days each)?

How many days before the visa expires should I extend it? I heard that the extension will not be added on top of the present validity. Is that correct? I would like to "waste" as few days as possible. Please advise.

Are there any additional restriction due to the present outbreak situation? (Limited number of extensions per day? Mandatory online appointment?)

What is the most convenient place to extend visa? I am staying in the Sukhumvit area. 

I'm sorry if this topic has already been discussed, but I'm new here and I would appreciate your advise. I know that the best thing is to ask the immigration directly but they are not replying. Thank you.

Answer summary

A user inquired about extending their 45-day visa exemption in Thailand, specifically questions around eligibility for the 60-day COVID extension, the possibility of obtaining 30-day extensions, timing for applying for the extension, additional restrictions due to the pandemic, and the best location for visa extensions in Bangkok. Responses indicate that only one 30-day extension is allowed before considering the COVID extension, which may not be available if the 30-day extension is used beforehand. Users suggested applying for an extension 15 days prior to expiry and provided insights on immigration office locations.

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Calvin *********

Ohhhh. I arrived with the same and about the same time. I would like to stay as long as possible or at least til October. But it seems like my options are limited to one choice according to your comments... 1- 30day extension after 45days. Damn I thought I saw somewhere a few months before I arrived that there were more options than just this.

5 years ago

George *************

@Calvin ********

No one knows whether the covid-19 extension will be available for sale beyond May 30. These deadlines have been extended in the past but past performance is no guarantee of future results. All you are more or less guaranteed is 45 days on a visa-exempt entry and one 30 day extension after that. If the covid-19 extension is available when those days are done then you could apply for it, a 60-day extension. But that would require immigration to extend the May 30 deadline, something that's happened in the past but hasn't happened yet. Normally, it's a last-minute thing, sometimes beyond the last minute. You can expect very little advance notice if it is extended.

5 years ago

Todd *********

@George ************

it's a safe bet it will be extended. When the time comes for them to end it (2023 anyone?), I would expect there to be ample notice given. In other words, if the order is not given at least 30 days prior to the official end of Covid extension, you can bet the next extension is coming. The May 29 deadline is for 60 days and will presumably end 29 July. Expect the next extension announcement around 28 July lol

5 years ago

Ulrik *********

You can only extend 1 time for 30 days. It has always been like that, and haven't changed during covid.

I am not sure if BKK immigration (Chaeng Wattana) requires you to extend with 30 days first before you can change to the Covid extension.

So far the Covid extension scheme will end 29th of May. so if they want you to do the 30 days first, you will not be able to go on the Covid extension after.

5 years ago

Mike *********

I have just got COE for 30 day exempt due to speed of needing to travel this week, can you apply for 60 day visa or anything longer while in thailand ?

Also where would be nearest immigration to yasothon or Mukdahan, I know there is a very small office in Mukdahan but not sure what they do. Sorry for jumping on this but similar question.

5 years ago

Ulrik *********

@Mi**

from 7th of December 20 until September 30 - 21, the visa exemption is 45 days instead of the regular 30.

5 years ago

Steve *******

@Mike ********

You can apply for a 30 day extention of stay. Yaso has an Immigration Office.

5 years ago

Mike *******

@Ulrik ********

thank you 🙂

5 years ago

Darren *******

You will most likely have to use the 30 day extension before being given the 60 day unable to travel due to Covid extension. No harm in asking for it still.

I believe you can go 15 days before your current stamp expires but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong there. Again, if wrong someone will correct me but the 30 days are added onto the current expiry date.

Not sure which immigration office you go to, there are two. The search function will help with this as it's asked fairly often.

5 years ago

Mike *******

@Darren ******

thank you 🙂

5 years ago